The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation of
certain rodent bait stations and components thereof. The products at issue in this investigation
are used to present poisoned bait to rodent populations in a manner that induces rodents to feed
upon the poisoned bait, but discourages tampering by pets, children, and unauthorized
personnel.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Bell Laboratories, Inc., of Madison, WI, on
December 23, 1998. The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the
Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the
sale within the United States after importation of certain rodent bait stations and components
thereof that infringe U.S. patents owned by Bell. The complainant requests that the ITC issue
a permanent exclusion order and permanent cease and desist orders barring the importation
into and sale within the United States of the allegedly infringing products.

The ITC has identified the following companies as respondents in the investigation:

Aegis Research Ltd., U.K., of Sunbury-On-Thames, United Kingdom, and
Aegis Research Ltd., U.S., of Dover, DE.

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-418), the ITC has not yet made any decision on the
merits of the case. The case will be referred to an ITC administrative law judge, who will
schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The administrative law judge will make an initial
determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is
subject to review by the Commission.

The ITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time.
Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for
completing the investigation. ITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when
issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the
President of the United States within that 60-day period.